Patient FAQ
FAQs to Become a Very Informed Patient (VIP)
Why lab services?
Lab test results may offer the first clues to a major disease or provide information that confirms you are healthy. To run a lab test, a patient sample is needed. The sample may be blood, urine, or some cells or tissue; it’s different for each test. Once your sample is taken, trained technicians in our lab analyze it. Then, we send the test result to your doctor to help him or her make informed treatment decisions.
Why is testing important?
Your test results can help establish your “baseline” for future monitoring and give you general information to help you better manage your health.
Here are a few of the many reasons lab testing is recommended:
1. Staying healthy: Tests often help expose risk factors – important information that can help you and your doctor target lifestyle changes to keep you well.
2. Early detection: Changes in your health may only become noticeable over time. Testing can help you identify these potential health conditions early. In general, the earlier a developing condition is detected, the greater the likelihood that your doctor can treat it.
3. Family history: If you have certain concerns due to your family history, lab tests can help monitor those conditions.
4. Peace of mind: If you’ve made lifestyle changes to improve your health, testing can show how successful your efforts have been.
Can I request my own lab tests?
In Oklahoma, testing must be ordered by a licensed healthcare professional. If you are interested in having a specific lab test performed, please ask your doctor if the test is appropriate for you, and if he/she can order the test for you.
How can I prepare before getting my test?
When preparing for a lab test, be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions. In addition to following that guidance, it is important to:
• Continue to take any medication as prescribed
• Wear sleeves that roll up easily if you are taking a blood test
• Be prepared to provide a urine sample
• Fast (if you are having a blood test), which means that you should not consume anything but water, plain tea without milk or sugar, or black coffee
• Drink plenty of water
Where can I have my sample collected?
Sometimes your sample will be taken in your doctor’s office and sent out to a lab for testing. Other times your doctor will send you directly to a DLO Patient Service Center (PSC) for lab testing. With an extensive network of over 45 PSCs and draw sites, you can find a location close to your doctor’s office and where you live and work. To find a nearby PSC, please visit our Patient Locator.
Do I need to make an appointment to have my blood drawn at a Patient Service Center?
At this time, DLO does not currently offer appointment scheduling. However, our goal is to provide service to all patients within 15 minutes of their sign-in time. In fact, the average wait time at a DLO PSC is just under 8 minutes. Additionally, remember that Patient Service Centers are busiest in the early morning when patients who have to fast for testing often choose to arrive. Your wait will usually be shorter if you arrive after 10am.
What should I bring to my appointment?
You should bring a completed test requisition form from your doctor, which is like a prescription to get lab tests, and your medical insurance card.
How long should I plan to be at the Patient Service Center?
The average wait time at a DLO PSC is just under 8 minutes. The amount of time it takes to collect a specimen depends on the test(s) you need.
When will the result be ready?
A typical test result will be reported to your doctor within 24 hours, although sometimes some tests take up to a week or longer for additional consultations.
How can I find out my test result?
1. Contact your doctor and request a printed copy of your lab report, or
2. Complete and provide to DLO a Request for Access Form to request a copy of your test results directly from DLO.
Please note: once received, the form takes 30 days to process. There are legal restrictions and this method of accessing test results is not available in every location. You may check to see if your location requires physician authorization at the Web site above.
Can DLO tell me how much I can expect to pay for my tests?
The price you pay for testing at DLO may depend on several factors, including:
1. Your insurance plan’s coverage of lab tests
2. Your age. For example, if you are 65 or older, Medicare may not pay for some tests that your doctor may consider important
3. Your healthcare provider’s agreement with DLO
You can request specific pricing information at your PSC or contact our Customer Service Department at 405.608.6100 or 800.891.2917.